Multi-form factor information handling system (ihs) with layered, foldable, bendable, flippable, rotatable, removable, displaceable, and/or slideable component(s)

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) with layered, foldable, bendable, flippable, rotatable, removable, displaceable, and/or slideable component(s) are described. In some embodiments, an IHS may include a first display and a second display coupled to the first display, where the second display further comprises a bendable, foldable, or flippable layer having: (i) a screen surface, and (ii) a keyboard surface opposing the screen surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This specification claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/050,494, which is titled “MULTI-FORM FACTORINFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM (IHS) WITH LAYERED, FOLDABLE, BENDABLE,FLIPPABLE, ROTATABLE, REMOVABLE, DISPLACEABLE, AND/OR SLIDEABLECOMPONENT(S)” and was filed on Jul. 31, 2018, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to Information Handling Systems(IHSs), and more specifically, to a multi-form factor IHS with layered,foldable, bendable, flippable, rotatable, removable, displaceable,and/or slideable component(s).

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is Information Handling Systems (IHSs). AnIHS generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicatesinformation or data for business, personal, or other purposes therebyallowing users to take advantage of the value of the information.Because technology and information handling needs and requirements varybetween different users or applications, IHSs may also vary regardingwhat information is handled, how the information is handled, how muchinformation is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly andefficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated.The variations in IHSs allow for IHSs to be general or configured for aspecific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing,airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications.In addition, IHSs may include a variety of hardware and softwarecomponents that may be configured to process, store, and communicateinformation and may include one or more computer systems, data storagesystems, and networking systems.

Nowadays, users can choose among many different types of mobile IHSdevices. Each type of device (e.g., tablets, 2-in-1s, mobileworkstations, notebooks, netbooks, ultra-books, etc.) has uniqueportability, performance, and usability features; however, each also hasits own trade-offs and limitations. For example, tablets have lesscompute power than notebooks and workstations, while notebooks andworkstations lack the portability of tablets. A conventional 2-in-1device combines the portability of a tablet with the performance of anotebook, but with a small display—an uncomfortable form factor in manyuse-cases.

The inventors hereof have determined that, as productivity continues tobe a core tenet of modern computing, mobile IHS devices should provideversatility for many use-cases and display postures in use today (e.g.,tablet mode, laptop mode, etc.), as well as future display postures(e.g., digital notebooks, new work surfaces, etc.). Additionally, mobileIHS devices should provide larger display area with reduced size andweight.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS)with layered, foldable, bendable, flippable, rotatable, removable,displaceable, and/or slideable component(s) are described. In anillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include a firstdisplay and a second display coupled to the first display, where thesecond display further comprises a bendable, foldable, or flippablelayer having: (i) a screen surface, and (ii) a keyboard surface opposingthe screen surface.

In some implementations, a first configuration, the screen surface facesup and the keyboard surface faces down. In a second configuration, afirst portion of the screen surface folds over a second portion of thescreen surface, and the keyboard surface faces up.

The IHS may include a first hinge coupling the first display to thesecond display. The first portion of the screen surface may fold overthe second portion of the screen surface via a second hinge.Additionally, or alternatively, the first portion of the screen surfacemay fold over the second portion of the screen surface via a deformationaction.

The IHS may further include a processor and a memory coupled to theprocessor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that,upon execution, cause the IHS to provide a User Interface (UI) featurein response to the IHS being moved from the first configuration to thesecond configuration.

For example, providing the UI feature may include rendering a ribbonarea on the first display alongside a long edge of the keyboard surface.Additionally, or alternatively, providing the UI feature may includerevealing a touch input area on another layer of the second display thatsits under the bendable, foldable, or flippable layer when the IHS is inthe first configuration. In some cases, the other layer may includeanother screen surface. Additionally, or alternatively, providing the UIfeature may include rendering an image on a selected portion of thesecond display.

In other implementations, in a first configuration, the screen surfacefaces up, the keyboard surface faces up, and the keyboard surface sitsbehind a first portion of the screen surface. In a second configuration,the first portion of the screen surface folds over a second portion ofthe screen surface to reveal the keyboard surface.

The IHS may further include a processor and a memory coupled to theprocessor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that,upon execution, cause the IHS to provide a UI feature on the firstdisplay in response to the IHS being moved from the first configurationto the second configuration. For example, providing the UI feature mayinclude revealing a touch input area opposing the first portion of thescreen surface.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may includeproviding an IHS having a first display and a second display coupled tothe first display and, in response to a user moving a keyboard from afirst portion of the second display to a second portion of the seconddisplay, providing a first UI feature on the first display and a secondUI feature on the first portion of the second display. Providing thefirst UI feature may include rendering an image on a selected portion ofthe first display above a long edge of the keyboard, and the second UIfeature may include a touch input area. In response to the user movingthe keyboard off from the second display, the method may further includeproviding a third UI feature on the second portion of the seconddisplay.

In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a hardware memorydevice having program instructions stored thereon that, upon executionby a processor of an IHS having a first display coupled to a seconddisplay via a hinge, cause the IHS to: display a first image on thefirst display; display a second image on the second display; and inresponse to removal of a keyboard from a drawer embedded in the seconddisplay, provide a UI feature on the first or second displays. The UIfeature may include a ribbon area alongside a long edge of the seconddisplay farthest from the hinge. The keyboard may slide in and out ofthe drawer via a railing system. And the program instructions, uponexecution by the processor, may also cause the IHS to, in response toinsertion of the keyboard into the drawer of the second display, removethe UI feature from the first or second displays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention(s) is/are illustrated by way of example and is/arenot limited by the accompanying figures, in which like referencesindicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated forsimplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-form factor Information HandlingSystem (IHS) with a removable keyboard, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams of components of the multi-form factorIHS and removable keyboard, respectively, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-form factor configuration engine,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for configuring multi-form factorIHSs, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-C, 7A-J, 8A-D, and 9A-F illustrate examples of laptop, tablet,book, and display postures, respectively, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-C and 11A-C illustrate various use-cases, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 12A-D, 13A, and 13B illustrate a first hinge implementation and asecond hinge implementation, respectively, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an accessory charging system, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 15, 16A-C, 17A, and 17B illustrate a third hinge implementation, afourth hinge implementation, and a fifth hinge implementation,respectively, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a folio case system, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an accessory backpack system, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 20A-C illustrate an example of an IHS with layered, foldable,bendable, flippable, and/or rotatable component(s), according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an example of an IHS with foldable,flippable, and/or rotatable component(s), according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 22A-C illustrate another example of an IHS with layered, foldable,bendable, flippable, and/or rotatable component(s), according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 23A-C illustrate an example of an IHS with removable and/ordisplaceable component(s), according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an example of an IHS with slidingcomponent(s), according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein provide a multi-form factor InformationHandling System (IHS) with layered, foldable, bendable, flippable,rotatable, removable, displaceable, and/or slideable component(s).

In various implementations, a mobile IHS device may include adual-display, foldable IHS. Each display may include, for example, aLiquid Crystal Display (LCD), Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), orActive Matrix OLED (AMOLED) panel or film, equipped with a touchscreenconfigured to receive touch inputs. The dual-display, foldable IHS maybe configured by a user in any of a number of display postures,including, but not limited to: laptop, tablet, book, clipboard, stand,tent, and/or display.

A user may operate the dual-display, foldable IHS in various modes usinga virtual, On-Screen Keyboard (OSK), or a removable, physical keyboard.In some use cases, a physical keyboard may be placed atop at least oneof the screens to enable use of the IHS as a laptop, with additionalUser Interface (UI) features (e.g., virtual keys, touch input areas,etc.) made available via the underlying display, around the keyboard. Inother use cases, the physical keyboard may be placed in front of the IHSto expose a larger display area. The user may also rotate thedual-display, foldable IHS, to further enable different modalities withthe use of the physical keyboard. In some cases, when not in use, thephysical keyboard may be placed or stored inside the dual-display,foldable IHS.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of multi-form factor Information HandlingSystem (IHS) 100 with removable keyboard 103. As shown, first display101 is coupled to second display 102 via hinge 104, and keyboard 103sits atop second display 102. The current physical arrangement of firstdisplay 101 and second display 102 creates a laptop posture, such thatfirst display 101 becomes primary display area 105 presented by IHS 100,where video or display frames may be rendered for viewing by a user.

In operation, in this particular laptop posture, second display 102 maysit horizontally on a work surface with its display surface facing up,and keyboard 103 may be positioned on top of second display 102,occluding a part of its display surface. In response to this posture andkeyboard position, IHS 100 may dynamically produce a first UI feature inthe form of at least one configurable secondary display area 106 (a“ribbon area” or “touch bar”), and/or a second UI feature in the form ofat least one configurable touch input area 107 (a “virtual trackpad”),using the touchscreen of second display 102.

To identify a current posture of IHS 100 and a current physicalrelationship or spacial arrangement (e.g., distance, position, speed,etc.) between display(s) 101/102 and keyboard 103, IHS 100 may beconfigured to use one or more sensors disposed in first display 101,second display 102, keyboard 103, and/or hinge 104. Based upon readingsfrom these various sensors, IHS 100 may then select, configure, modify,and/or provide (e.g., content, size, position, etc.) one or more UIfeatures.

In various embodiments, displays 101 and 102 may be coupled to eachother via hinge 104 to thereby assume a plurality of different postures,including, but not limited, to: laptop, tablet, book, or display.

When display 102 is disposed horizontally in laptop posture, keyboard103 may be placed on top of display 102, thus resulting in a first setof UI features (e.g., ribbon area or touch bar 106, and/or touchpad107). Otherwise, with IHS 100 still in the laptop posture, keyboard 103may be placed next to display 102, resulting in a second set of UIfeatures.

As used herein, the term “ribbon area” or “touch bar” 106 refers to adynamic horizontal or vertical strip of selectable and/or scrollableitems, which may be dynamically selected for display and/or IHS controldepending upon a present context, use-case, or application. For example,when IHS 100 is executing a web browser, ribbon area or touch bar 106may show navigation controls and favorite websites. Then, when IHS 100operates a mail application, ribbon area or touch bar 106 may displaymail actions, such as replying or flagging. In some cases, at least aportion of ribbon area or touch bar 106 may be provided in the form of astationary control strip, providing access to system features such asbrightness and volume. Additionally, or alternatively, ribbon area ortouch bar 106 may enable multitouch, to support two or more simultaneousinputs.

In some cases, ribbon area 106 may change position, location, or size ifkeyboard 103 is moved alongside a lateral or short edge of seconddisplay 102 (e.g., from horizontally displayed alongside a long side ofkeyboard 103 to being vertically displayed alongside a short side ofkeyboard 103). Also, the entire display surface of display 102 may showrendered video frames if keyboard 103 is moved alongside the bottom orlong edge of display 102. Conversely, if keyboard 103 is removed ofturned off, yet another set of UI features, such as an OSK, may beprovided via display(s) 101/102. As such, in many embodiments, thedistance and/or relative position between keyboard 103 and display(s)101/102 may be used to control various aspects the UI.

During operation, the user may open, close, flip, swivel, or rotateeither of displays 101 and/or 102, via hinge 104, to produce differentpostures. In each posture, a different arrangement between IHS 100 andkeyboard 103 results in different UI features being presented or madeavailable to the user. For example, when second display 102 is foldedagainst display 101 so that the two displays have their backs againsteach other, IHS 100 may be said to have assumed a tablet posture (e.g.,FIG. 7G) or book posture (e.g., FIG. 8D), depending upon whether IHS 100is stationary, moving, horizontal, resting at a different angle, and/orits orientation (landscape vs. portrait).

In many of these scenarios, placement of keyboard 103 upon or neardisplay(s) 101/102, and subsequent movement or removal, may result in adifferent set of UI features than when IHS 100 is in laptop posture.

In many implementations, different types of hinges 104 may be used toachieve and maintain different display postures, and to supportdifferent keyboard arrangements. Examples of suitable hinges 104include, but are not limited to: a 360-hinge (FIGS. 12A-D), a jaws hinge(FIGS. 13A and 13B), a yoga hinge (FIG. 15), a gear hinge (FIGS. 16A-C),and a slide hinge (FIGS. 17A and 17B). One or more of these hinges 104may include wells or compartments (FIG. 14) for docking, cradling,charging, or storing accessories. Moreover, one or more aspects of hinge104 may be monitored via one or more sensors (e.g., to determine whetheran accessory is charging) when controlling the different UI features.

In some cases, a folio case system (FIGS. 18A and 18B) may be used tofacilitate keyboard arrangements. Additionally, or alternatively, anaccessory backpack system (FIG. 19) may be used to hold keyboard 103and/or an extra battery or accessory.

For purposes of this disclosure, an IHS may include any instrumentalityor aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, calculate,determine, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, communicate, manifest, detect, record,reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, ordata for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example,an IHS may be a personal computer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tabletcomputer, mobile device (e.g., Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or smartphone), server (e.g., blade server or rack server), a network storagedevice, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape,performance, functionality, and price. An IHS may include Random AccessMemory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a CentralProcessing Unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additionalcomponents of an IHS may include one or more disk drives, one or morenetwork ports for communicating with external devices as well as variousI/O devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, touchscreen, and/or a videodisplay. An IHS may also include one or more buses operable to transmitcommunications between the various hardware components.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components 200 of multi-form factor IHS100. As depicted, components 200 include processor 201. In variousembodiments, IHS 100 may be a single-processor system, or amulti-processor system including two or more processors. Processor 201may include any processor capable of executing program instructions,such as a PENTIUM series processor, or any general-purpose or embeddedprocessors implementing any of a variety of Instruction SetArchitectures (ISAs), such as an x86 ISA or a Reduced Instruction SetComputer (RISC) ISA (e.g., POWERPC, ARM, SPARC, MIPS, etc.).

IHS 100 includes chipset 202 coupled to processor 201. In certainembodiments, chipset 202 may utilize a QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) busto communicate with processor 201. In various embodiments, chipset 202may provide processor 201 with access to a number of resources.Moreover, chipset 202 may be coupled to communication interface(s) 205to enable communications via various wired and/or wireless networks,such as Ethernet, WiFi, BLUETOOTH, cellular or mobile networks (e.g.,CDMA, TDMA, LTE, etc.), satellite networks, or the like. For example,communication interface(s) 205 may be coupled to chipset 202 via a PCIebus.

Chipset 202 may be coupled to display controller(s) 204, which mayinclude one or more or graphics processor(s) (GPUs) on a graphics bus,such as an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or Peripheral ComponentInterconnect Express (PCIe) bus. As shown, display controller(s) 204provide video or display signals to first display device 101 and seconddisplay device 202. In other implementations, any number of displaycontroller(s) 204 and/or display devices 101/102 may be used.

Each of display devices 101 and 102 may include a flexible display thatis deformable (e.g., bent, folded, rolled, or stretched) by an externalforce applied thereto. For example, display devices 101 and 102 mayinclude LCD, OLED, or AMOLED, plasma, electrophoretic, or electrowettingpanel(s) or film(s). Each display device 101 and 102 may include aplurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, configured to display visualinformation, such as text, two-dimensional images, video,three-dimensional images, etc.

Display device(s) 101/102 may be configured to sense haptic and/orphysical touch events, and to generate touch information. To this end,display device(s) 101/102 may include a touchscreen matrix (e.g., alayered capacitive panel or the like) and/or touch controller configuredto receive and interpret multi-touch gestures from a user touching thescreen with a stylus or one or more fingers. In some cases, display andtouch control aspects of display device(s) 101/102 may be collectivelyoperated and controlled by display controller(s) 204.

In some cases, display device(s) 101/102 may also comprise a deformationor bending sensor configured to generate deformation or bendinginformation including, but not limited to: the bending position of adisplay (e.g., in the form of a “bending line” connecting two or morepositions at which bending is detected on the display), bendingdirection, bending angle, bending speed, etc. In these implementations,display device(s) 101/102 may be provided as a single continuousdisplay, rather than two discrete displays.

Chipset 202 may also provide processor 201 and/or display controller(s)204 with access to memory 203. In various embodiments, system memory 203may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as staticRAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM) or magnetic disks, or anynonvolatile/Flash-type memory, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or thelike. Memory 203 may store program instructions that, upon execution byprocessor 201 and/or controller(s) 204, present a UI interface to a userof IHS 100.

Chipset 202 may further provide access to one or more hard disk and/orsolid-state drives 207. In certain embodiments, chipset 202 may alsoprovide access to one or more optical drives or other removable-mediadrives. In certain embodiments, chipset 202 may also provide access toone or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 208.

Upon booting of IHS 100, processor(s) 201 may utilize Basic Input/OutputSystem (BIOS) 209 instructions to initialize and test hardwarecomponents coupled to IHS 100 and to load an Operating System (OS) foruse by IHS 100. BIOS 209 provides an abstraction layer that allows theOS to interface with certain hardware components that are utilized byIHS 100. Via the hardware abstraction layer provided by BIOS 209,software stored in memory 203 and executed by the processor(s) 201 ofIHS 100 is able to interface with certain I/O devices that are coupledto the IHS 100. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) wasdesigned as a successor to BIOS. As a result, many modern IHSs utilizeUEFI in addition to or instead of a BIOS. As used herein, BIOS isintended to also encompass UEFI.

Chipset 202 may also provide access to one or more user input devices206, for example, using a super I/O controller or the like. Forinstance, chipset 202 may provide access to a keyboard (e.g., keyboard103), mouse, trackpad, stylus, totem, or any other peripheral inputdevice, including touchscreen displays 101 and 102. These input devicesmay interface with chipset 202 through wired connections (e.g., in thecase of touch inputs received via display controller(s) 204) or wirelessconnections (e.g., via communication interfaces(s) 205). In some cases,chipset 202 may be used to interface with user input devices such askeypads, biometric scanning devices, and voice or optical recognitiondevices.

In certain embodiments, chipset 202 may also provide an interface forcommunications with one or more sensors 210. Sensors 210 may be disposedwithin displays 101/102 and/or hinge 104, and may include, but are notlimited to: electric, magnetic, radio, optical, infrared, thermal,force, pressure, acoustic, ultrasonic, proximity, position, deformation,bending, direction, movement, velocity, rotation, and/or accelerationsensor(s).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components 300 of keyboard IHS 103. Asdepicted, components 300 include keyboard controller or processor 301,coupled to keyboard sensor(s) 303 and wireless communication module 302.In various embodiments, keyboard controller 301 may be configured todetect keystrokes made by user upon a keyboard matrix, and it maytransmit those keystrokes to IHS 100 via wireless module 302 using asuitable protocol (e.g., BLUETOOTH). Keyboard sensors 303, which mayalso include any of the aforementioned types of sensor(s), may bedisposed under keys and/or around the keyboard's enclosure, to provideinformation regarding the location, arrangement, or status of keyboard103 to IHS 100 via wireless module 302.

In various embodiments, IHS 100 and/or keyboard 103 may not include allof components 200 and/or 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.Additionally, or alternatively, IHS 100 and/or keyboard 103 may includecomponents in addition to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.Additionally, or alternatively, components 200 and/or 300, representedas discrete in FIGS. 2 and 3, may be integrated with other components.For example, all or a portion of the functionality provided bycomponents 200 and/or 300 may be provided as a System-On-Chip (SOC), orthe like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of multi-form factor configuration engine 401.Particularly, multi-form factor configuration engine 401 may includeelectronic circuits and/or program instructions that, upon execution,cause IHS 100 to perform a number of operation(s) and/or method(s)described herein.

In various implementations, program instructions for executingmulti-form factor configuration engine 401 may be stored in memory 203.For example, engine 401 may include one or more standalone softwareapplications, drivers, libraries, or toolkits, accessible via anApplication Programming Interface (API) or the like. Additionally, oralternatively, multi-form factor configuration engine 401 may beincluded the IHS's OS.

In other embodiments, however, multi-form factor configuration engine401 may be implemented in firmware and/or executed by a co-processor ordedicated controller, such as a Baseband Management Controller (BMC), orthe like.

As illustrated, multi-form factor configuration engine 401 receivesGraphical User Interface (GUI) input or feature 402, and produces GUIoutput or feature 403, in response to receiving and processing one ormore or: display sensor data 406, hinge sensor data 407, and/or keyboardsensor data 408. Additionally, or alternatively, multi-form factorconfiguration engine 401 may produce touch control feature 404 and/orother commands 405.

In various embodiments, GUI input 402 may include one or more images tobe rendered on display(s) 101/102, and/or one or more entire or partialvideo frames. Conversely, GUI output 403 may include one or moremodified images (e.g., different size, color, position on the display,etc.) to be rendered on display(s) 101/102, and/or one or more modifiedentire or partial video frames.

For instance, in response to detecting, via display and/or hinge sensors406/407, that IHS 100 has assumed a laptop posture from a closed or“off” posture, GUI OUT 403 may allow a full-screen desktop image,received as GUI IN 402, to be displayed first display 101 while seconddisplay 102 remains turned off or darkened. Upon receiving keyboardsensor data 408 indicating that keyboard 103 has been positioned oversecond display 102, GUI OUT 403 may produce a ribbon-type display orarea 106 around the edge(s) of keyboard 103, for example, withinteractive and/or touch selectable virtual keys, icons, menu options,pallets, etc. If keyboard sensor data 408 then indicates that keyboard103 has been turned off, for example, GUI OUT 403 may produce an OSK onsecond display 102.

Additionally, or alternatively, touch control feature 404 may beproduced to visually delineate touch input area 107 of second display102, to enable its operation as a user input device, and to therebyprovide an UI interface commensurate with a laptop posture. Touchcontrol feature 404 may turn palm or touch rejection on or off inselected parts of display(s) 101/102. Also, GUI OUT 403 may include avisual outline displayed by second display 102 around touch input area107, such that palm or touch rejection is applied outside of theoutlined area, but the interior of area 107 operates as a virtualtrackpad on second display 102.

Multi-form factor configuration engine 401 may also produce othercommands 405 in response to changes in display posture and/or keyboardsate or arrangement, such as commands to turn displays 101/102 on oroff, enter a selected power mode, charge or monitor a status of anaccessory device (e.g., docked in hinge 104), etc.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of method 500 for configuring multi-form factorIHSs. In various embodiments, method 500 may be performed by multi-formfactor configuration engine 401 under execution of processor 201. Atblock 501, method 500 includes identifying a display posture—that is, arelative physical arrangement between first display 101 and seconddisplay 102. For example, block 501 may use sensor data received fromdisplays 101/102 and/or hinge 104 to distinguish among the variouspostures shown below.

At block 502, method 500 selects a UI feature corresponding to theidentified posture. Examples of UI features include, but are not limitedto: turning a display on or off; displaying a full or partial screenGUI; displaying a ribbon area; providing a virtual trackpad area;altering touch control or palm rejection settings; adjusting thebrightness and contrast of a display; selecting a mode, volume, and/oror directionality of audio reproduction; etc.

At block 503, method 500 may detect the status of keyboard 103. Forexample, block 503 may determine that keyboard 103 is on or off, restingbetween two closed displays, horizontally sitting atop display(s)101/102, or next to display(s) 101/102. Additionally, or alternatively,block 503 may determine the location or position of keyboard 103relative to display 102, for example, using Cartesian coordinates.Additionally, or alternatively, block 503 may determine an angle betweenkeyboard 103 and displays 101/102 (e.g., a straight angle if display 102is horizontal, or a right angle if display 102 is vertical).

Then, at block 504, method 500 may modify the UI feature in response tothe status of keyboard 103. For instance, block 504 may cause a displayto turn on or off, it may change the size or position of a full orpartial screen GUI or a ribbon area, it may change the size or locationof a trackpad area with changes to control or palm rejection settings,etc. Additionally, or alternatively, block 504 may produce a newinterface feature or remove an existing feature, associated with adisplay posture, in response to any aspect of the keyboard statusmeeting a selected threshold of falling within a defined range ofvalues.

FIGS. 6A-C, 7A-J, 8A-D, and 9A-F illustrate examples of laptop, tablet,book, and display postures which may be detected by operation of block501 of method 500 during execution of multi-form factor configurationengine 401 by IHS 100.

Particularly, FIGS. 6A-C show a laptop posture, where a first displaysurface of first display 101 is facing the user at an obtuse angle withrespect to a second display surface of second display 102, and such thatsecond display 102 is disposed in a horizontal position, with the seconddisplay surface facing up. In FIG. 6A, state 601 shows a user operatingIHS 100 with a stylus or touch on second display 102. In FIG. 6B, state602 shows IHS 100 with keyboard 103 positioned off the bottom edge orlong side of second display 102, and in FIG. 6C, state 603 shows theuser operating keyboard 103 atop second display 102.

FIGS. 7A-J show a tablet posture, where first display 101 is at astraight angle with respect to second display 102, such that first andsecond displays 101 and 102 are disposed in a horizontal position, withthe first and second display surfaces facing up. Specifically, FIG. 7Ashows state 701 where IHS 100 is in a side-by-side, portrait orientationwithout keyboard 103, FIG. 7B shows state 702 where keyboard 103 isbeing used off the bottom edges or short sides of display(s) 101/102,and FIG. 7C shows state 703 where keyboard 103 is located over bothdisplays 101 and 102. In FIG. 7D, state 704 shows IHS 100 in aside-by-side, landscape configuration without keyboard 103, in FIG. 7Estate 705 shows keyboard 103 being used off the bottom edge or long sideof second display 102, and in FIG. 7F state 706 shows keyboard 103 ontop of second display 102.

In FIG. 7G, state 707 shows first display 101 rotated around seconddisplay 102 via hinge 104 such that the display surface of seconddisplay 102 is horizontally facing down, and first display 101 restsback-to-back against second display 102, without keyboard 103; and inFIG. 7H, state 708 shows the same configuration, but with keyboard 103placed off the bottom or long edge of display 102. In FIGS. 71 and 7J,states 709 and 710 correspond to states 707 and 708, respectively, butwith IHS 100 in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 8A-D show a book posture, similar to the tablet posture of FIGS.7A-J, but such that neither one of displays 101 or 102 is horizontallyheld by the user and/or such that the angle between the display surfacesof the first and second displays 101 and 102 is other than a straightangle. In FIG. 8A, state 801 shows dual-screen use in portraitorientation, in FIG. 8B state 802 shows dual-screen use in landscapeorientation, in FIG. 8C state 803 shows single-screen use in landscapeorientation, and in FIG. 8D state 804 shows single-screen use inportrait orientation.

FIGS. 9A-F show a display posture, where first display 100 is at anacute angle with respect to second display 102, and/or where bothdisplays are vertically arranged in a portrait orientation.Particularly, in FIG. 9A state 901 shows a first display surface offirst display 102 facing the user and the second display surface ofsecond display 102 horizontally facing down, whereas in FIG. 9B state902 shows the same configuration but with keyboard 103 used off thebottom edge or long side of display 101. In FIG. 9C, state 903 shows adisplay posture where display 102 props up display 101 in a standconfiguration, and in FIG. 9D, state 904 shows the same configurationbut with keyboard 103 used off the bottom edge or long side of display101. In FIG. 9E, state 905 shows both displays 101 and 102 restingvertically or at display angle, and in FIG. 9F state 906 shows the sameconfiguration but with keyboard 103 used off the bottom edge or longside of display 101.

It should be noted that the aforementioned postures, and their variousrespective keyboard states, are described for sake of illustration. Indifferent embodiments, however, other postures and keyboard states maybe used, for example, depending upon the type of hinge coupling thedisplays, the number of displays used, or other accessories. Forinstance, when IHS 100 is chargeable via a charging or docking station,the connector in the docking station may be configured to hold IHS 100at angle selected to facility one of the foregoing postures (e.g.,keyboard states 905 and 906).

FIGS. 10A-C illustrate a first example use-case of method 500 in thecontext of a laptop posture. In state 1000A of FIG. 10A, first display101 shows primary display area 1001, keyboard 103 sits atop seconddisplay 102, and second display 102 provides UI features such as firstribbon area 1002 (positioned between the top long edge of keyboard 103and hinge 104) and touch area 1003 (positioned below keyboard 103). Askeyboard 103 moves up or down on the surface of display 102, ribbon area1002 and/or touch area 1003 may dynamically move up or down, or becomebigger or smaller, on second display 102. In some cases, when keyboard103 is removed, a virtual OSK may be rendered (e.g., at that samelocation) on the display surface of display 102.

In state 1000B of FIG. 10B, in response to execution of method 500 bymulti-form factor configuration engine 401, first display 101 continuesto show main display area 1001, but keyboard 103 has been moved off ofdisplay 102. In response, second display 102 now shows secondary displayarea 1004 and also second ribbon area 1005. In some cases, second ribbonarea 1005 may include the same UI features (e.g., icons, etc.) as alsoshown in area 1002, but here repositioned to a different location ofdisplay 102 nearest the long edge of keyboard 103. Alternatively, thecontent of second ribbon area 1005 may be different from the content offirst ribbon area 1002.

In state 1000C of FIG. 10C, during execution of method 500 by multi-formfactor configuration engine 401, IHS 100 detects that physical keyboard103 has been removed (e.g., out of wireless range) or turned off (e.g.,low battery), and in response display 102 produces a different secondarydisplay area 1006 (e.g., smaller than 1004), as well as OSK 1007.

FIGS. 11A-C illustrate a second example use-case of method 500 in thecontext of a tablet posture. In state 1100A of FIG. 11A, second display102 has its display surface facing up, and is disposed back-to-back withrespect to second display 102, as in states 709/710, but with keyboard103 sitting atop second display 102. In this state, display 102 providesUI features such primary display area 1101 and first ribbon area 1102,positioned as shown. As keyboard 103 is repositioned up or down on thesurface of display 102, display area 1101, first ribbon area 1102,and/or touch area 1103 may also be moved up or down, or made bigger orsmaller, by multi-form factor configuration engine 401.

In state 1100B of FIG. 11B, keyboard 103 is detected off of the surfaceof display 102. In response, first display 101 shows modified maindisplay area 1103 and modified ribbon area 1104. In some cases, modifiedribbon area 1104 may include the same UI features as area 1102, but hererepositioned to a different location of display 102 nearest the longedge of keyboard 103. Alternatively, the content of second ribbon area1104 may be different from the content of first ribbon area 1102. Insome cases, the content and size of modified ribbon area 1104 may beselected in response to a distance between keyboard 103 and display 102.

In state 1100C of FIG. 11C, during continued execution of method 500,multi-form factor configuration engine 401 detects that physicalkeyboard 103 has been removed or turned off, and in response display 102produces yet another display area 1105 (e.g., larger than 1003 or 1002),this time without an OSK.

In various embodiments, the different UI behaviors discussed in theaforementioned use-cases may be set, at least in part, by policy and/orprofile, and stored in a preferences database for each user. In thismanner, UI features and modifications of blocks 502 and 504, such aswhether touch input area 1003 is produced in state 1000A (and/or itssize and position on displays 101/102), or such as whether ribbon area1102 is produced in state 1100A (and/or its size and position ondisplays 101/102), may be configurable by a user.

FIGS. 12A-D illustrate a 360-hinge implementation, usable as hinge 104in IHS 100, in four different configurations 1200A-D, respectively.Particularly, 360-hinge 104 may include a plastic, acrylic, polyamide,polycarbonate, elastic, and/or rubber coupling, with one or moreinternal support, spring, and/or friction mechanisms that enable a userto rotate displays 101 and 102 relative to one another, around the axisof 360-hinge 104.

Hinge configuration 1200A of FIG. 12A may be referred to as a closedposture, where at least a portion of a first display surface of thefirst display 101 is disposed against at least a portion of a seconddisplay surface of the second display 102, such that the space betweendisplays 101/102 accommodates keyboard 103. When display 101 is againstdisplay 102, stylus or accessory 108 may be slotted into keyboard 103.In some cases, stylus 108 may have a diameter larger than the height ofkeyboard 103, so that 360-hinge 104 wraps around a portion of thecircumference of stylus 108 and therefore holds keyboard 103 in placebetween displays 101/102.

Hinge configuration 1200B of FIG. 12B shows a laptop posture betweendisplays 101/102. In this case, 360-hinge 104 holds first display 101up, at an obtuse angle with respect to first display 101. Meanwhile,hinge configuration 1200C of FIG. 12C shows a tablet, book, or displayposture (depending upon the resting angle and/or movement of IHS 100),with 360-hinge 104 holding first and second displays 101/102 at astraight angle (180°) with respect to each other. And hingeconfiguration 1200D of FIG. 12D shows a tablet or book configuration,with 360-hinge 104 holding first and second displays 101 and 102 at a360° angle, with their display surfaces in facing opposite directions.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a jaws hinge implementation, usable ashinge 104 in IHS 100, in two different configurations 1300A and 1300B.Specifically, jaws hinge 104 has two rotation axes, parallel to eachother, one axis for each respective one of displays 101/102. A solid barelement 104 between the two rotation axes may be configured toaccommodate docking compartment 1301 for stylus 108, audio speaker(s)1302 (e.g., monaural, stereo, a directional array), and one or moreports 1303 (e.g., an audio in/out jack).

Hinge configuration 1300A of FIG. 13A shows the laptop posture. In thiscase, jaws hinge 104 holds first display 101 up, at an obtuse angle withrespect to second display 102. In contrast, hinge configuration 1300B ofFIG. 13B shows a tablet or book posture, with jaws hinge 104 holdingfirst and second displays 101 and 102 at a 360° angle with respect toeach other, with keyboard 103 stored in between displays 101 and 102, ina back-to-back configuration, such that stylus 108 remains accessible tothe user.

FIG. 14 illustrates accessory charging system 1400, with accessory wells1301 and 1401 shown on hinge 104 that couples first display 101 tosecond display 102. In various embodiments, accessory wells 1301 and1401 may be formed of molded or extruded plastic. In this example,accessory well 1301 is shaped to hold pen or stylus 108, and accessorywell 1401 is shaped to hold earbud 109. In some implementations, wells1301 and/or 1401 may include electrical terminals for charging a batterywithin the accessory, and/or to check a status of the accessory (e.g.,presence, charge level, model or name, etc.).

FIG. 15 illustrates a yoga hinge implementation, usable as hinge 104 inIHS 100, in configuration 1500. Specifically, yoga hinge 104 comprises aplurality of metal cylinders or rods, with axes parallel to each other,held together by bracket 1503 and/or fabric 1501. In operation, bracket1503 may include notches and/or detents configured to hold cylinders1502 at predetermined positions corresponding to any available IHSposture.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a gear hinge implementation, usable as hinge 104in IHS 100, in configurations 1600A-C. Specifically, configuration 1600Aof FIG. 16A shows gear hinge 104 with bar 1603 having teeth or gears1604 fabricated thereon, as IHS 100 begins to assume a laptop posture.Display 101 has teeth or gears 1601 alongside its bottom edge, whereasdisplay 102 has teeth or gears 1602 alongside its top edge. Bracket(s)1605 hold gears 1601 and/or 1602 against gear 1604, therefore providestwo parallel rotation axes between displays 101 and 102.

Hinge configuration 1600B of FIG. 16B shows a closed posture. In thiscase, gear hinge 104 holds display 101 facing down, and display 102 isrotated 360° degrees with respect to display 101, so that its displaysurface faces up against display 101. In this configuration, keyboard103 may sit under display 102, for example, to cause display 102 to restat an angle when IHS 100 is placed in laptop posture. In some cases,keyboard 103 may be coupled to the back of display 102 using anaccessory backpack or the like, as shown in FIG. 19.

Hinge configuration 1600C of FIG. 16C shows a tablet or book posture. Inthis case, gear hinge 104 holds display 102 facing up, and display 101is rotated 360° degrees with respect to display 102, so that its displaysurface faces down against the horizontal plane. In this configuration,keyboard 103 rests between the back of display 101 and the back ofdisplay 102. In various embodiments, bar 1603 may be split into aplurality of segments or links, as shown in configurations 1600B and1600C, to provide additional axes of rotation between displays 101 and102, and to accommodate both keyboard options with different IHSthicknesses.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a slide hinge implementation, usable ashinge 104 in IHS 100, in various configurations. Specifically, in FIG.17A, link 1701, held by first display bracket 1702 coupled to display101, slides up and down slot 1704 of bracket 1703 coupled to display102. In some cases, a locking mechanism may be employed to stably holddisplays 101 and 102 in different postures, as link 1701 slides up anddown and/or as display 101 rotates around display 102, such as theclosed posture of configuration 1700A, the laptop posture ofconfiguration 1700B in FIG. 17B, the tablet posture of configuration1700C (back to FIG. 17A), or the book posture of configuration 1700D(also in FIG. 17A).

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a folio case system in configurations 1800Aand 1800B, according to some embodiments. Specifically, folio case 1801may include a set of hard foldable sections or flaps wrapped in fabricand/or plastic, with snapping magnetic attachment points, for example,around the edge on the back of displays 101 and 102, and/or keyboard103. In some cases, keyboard 103 may be removable from case 1801.Additionally, or alternatively, the presence and state of case 1801 maybe detectable via sensors 303.

In configuration 1800A in FIG. 18A, displays 101 and 102 are in a laptopposture, and folio case 1801 holds keyboard 103 in a fixed position, offthe bottom edge or long side of display 102, such that both displays 101and 102 remain usable. Meanwhile, configuration 1800B of FIG. 18B showsa display posture (e.g., as in state 901), such that the display surfaceof display 102 is facing down against folio case 1802, and folio case1802 holds keyboard 103 in at fixed location, off the bottom edge ofdisplay 101, and such that only display 101 is usable.

FIG. 19 illustrates accessory backpack system 1900. In some embodiments,the enclosure of display 102 may include notches 1903 configured toreceive lip 1902 of tray 1901, which stays snapped in place until pulledby the user. Additionally, or alternatively, a spring-loaded ejectionbutton may be used. In various configurations, tray 1901 may holdkeyboard 103 or battery 110. Moreover, in some cases, the enclosure ofdisplay 102 may include electrical terminals usable to charge and/orobtain sensor information from accessories.

In various embodiments, IHS 100 may comprise layered, foldable,bendable, flippable, rotatable, removable, displaceable, and/orslideable components. These components may be configured to facilitatetransitioning between the various display postures and keyboardpositions described herein, thereby dynamically invoking and/or removingvarious UI features (e.g., display areas, ribbon areas, touch areas,etc.) during operation of IHS 100.

In some implementations, at least one of first and/or second display(s)101/102 may include two or more layers. These two or more layers may becoupled to each other via a gutter, spine, or joint. Additionally, oralternatively, a secondary hinge with one or more sensors may be used tocouple two or more layers or sections of first display 101 and/or seconddisplay 102 to each other. Such secondary hinge may be disposed under aflexible display film to provide continuous or discrete, yet bendable,foldable, or flippable screen and/or touch sensitive surface(s).

For example, FIGS. 20A-C illustrate IHS 100 with layered, foldable,bendable, flippable, and/or rotatable second display 102. Inconfiguration 2000A of FIG. 20A, IHS 100 includes first display 101 andsecond display 102 coupled to each other by hinge 104. Configuration2000A shows first display 101 providing first display area 2001 andsecond display 102 providing second display area 2002, covering theirentire screen surfaces, such that both displays 101 and 102 may providefull-screen images and full-screen touch capabilities.

Layered second display 102 includes base layer 2003 and bendable,foldable, flippable, and/or rotatable layer 2004. In display stack 2000,bendable, foldable, flippable, and/or rotatable layer 2004 sitsimmediately above base layer 2003. For example, layer 2004 may becoupled to base layer 2003 using one or more magnetic devices along theperimeter of second display 102.

Configuration 2000B of FIG. 20B shows IHS 100 with layer 2004 bending,folding, flipping, or rotation around line or axis 2005; here astraight-line parallel to the long side of second display 102. Whenlayer 2004 is bent, folded, flipped, or rotated around line 2005, itreveals keyboard surface 2008 opposing screen surface 2007, as well astrackpad surface 2009 of base layer 2003. In some cases, as screensurface 2007 bends or folds onto itself—until two different screensections of the same display surface (e.g., sections 2006 and 2007) aredirectly up against each other—full-screen availability 2002 of display102 may be dynamically reduced to display area or portion 2006, forinstance, until the rotation angle around axis 2005 becomes a straightangle, at which point display area or portion 2006 may be turned off ordeactivated.

Configuration 2000C of FIG. 20C shows IHS 100 with bendable, foldable,flippable, and/or rotatable layer 2004 bent, folded, flipped, or rotatedby 180°. In configuration 2000C, layer 2004 has screen surface 2007directly resting against surface 2006. In some cases, the final bent,folded, flipped, or rotated position of screen layer 2004 may be kept inplace using one or more magnetic devices. In configuration 2000C,keyboard surface 2008 is now facing up, so that physical keyboard 103 isusable when IHS 100 is placed in laptop posture. In some cases, abacklight of second display 102 may be used to illuminate translucent ortransparent symbols disposed on key of keyboard 103 via one or moreinternal light guides.

Still in configuration 2000C, detection of the final bent, folded, orrotated position of layer 2004 may reduce the size of full display area2001 into a smaller display area 2012 (e.g., leaving a well or emptyvolume where layer 2004 used to be in configuration 2000A), and/or itmay cause UI feature 2010 (e.g., a ribbon area, etc.) to be displayed byfirst display 101 alongside the long edge of keyboard 103 nearest hinge104. Additionally, or alternatively, the final bent or folded positionof layer 2004 may reveal trackpad surface 2009 of base layer 2003. Someimplementations, trackpad surface 2009 may include a physical trackpad2011. In other implementations, however, trackpad surface 2009 mayinclude a secondary display surface, such that physical trackpad 2011 isa virtual trackpad (e.g., with a visual outline and palm rejectionturned off) in a selected touch region 2011 of secondary display surface2009 of second display 102.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an example of IHS 100 with foldable,flippable, and/or rotatable second display 102. In configuration 2100Aof FIG. 21A, first display 101 has first display area 2101 covering itsentire screen surface, and foldable, flippable, and/or rotatable seconddisplay 102 provides second display area 2102 also covering its entiresurface.

Second display 102 may include a foldable, flippable, and/or rotatableportion 2100 configured to fold, flip, and/or rotate around axis or line2103. For example, a secondary hinge with one or more sensors may beused to couple two or more sections of foldable and/or flippable seconddisplay 102. In various embodiments, foldable, flippable, and/orrotatable portion 2100 of second display 102 may include keyboardsurface 2104 disposed opposite from display surface 2102.

In configuration 2100B of FIG. 21B, foldable, flippable, and/orrotatable portion 2100 is folded, flipped, and/or rotated by 180°. Assuch, second display 102 has physical keyboard 103 of keyboard surface2104 usable in laptop posture. Moreover, detection of the final folded,flipped, and/or rotated position of display 102 may reduce the size offull display area 2101 into a smaller display area 2105, and/or it maycause UI feature 2106 to be displayed by first display 101 alongside thelong edge of keyboard 103 nearest hinge 104, for example.

FIGS. 22A-C illustrate another example of IHS 100 with layered,foldable, bendable, flippable, and/or rotatable second display 102. Inconfiguration 2200A of FIG. 22A, first display 101 produces display area2201. Second display 102 produces a display area comprising screensurface portions 2202A and 2202B. In some cases, screen surface portions2202A and 2202B may be part of a continuous display that is foldable,bendable, flippable, and/or rotatable along line 2203. Alternatively,each portion 2202A and 2202B of second display 102 may be a discretedisplay device coupled to each other by a secondary hinge along axis2203.

In a first embodiment where configuration 2200A of FIG. 22A ischangeable into configuration 2200B of FIG. 22B, display stack 2200includes layer 2207 having screen surface 2202A and opposing keyboardsurface 2205. As such, in configuration 2200B, when layer 2007 is bent,folded, or flipped by 180°, screen surface portion 2202A is directlyresting against screen surface portion 2202B. Again, the final positionof layer 2007 may be maintained in place with one or more magneticdevices. Still in configuration 2200B, keyboard surface 2205 is nowfacing up, showing physical keyboard 103, and in response producing UIfeature 2204 on a secondary screen (originally positioned under keyboard103 in stack 2200) of second display 102.

In a second embodiment where configuration 2200A of FIG. 22A ischangeable into configuration 2200C of FIG. 22C, stack 2200 includeslayer 2207 having screen surface 2202A and opposing secondary screen ortrackpad surface 2205. In configuration 2200C, when layer 2007 is bent,folded, flipped, and/or rotated by 180°, screen surface portion 2202A isalso directly resting against screen surface portion 2202B—but now theopposing secondary screen or trackpad surface 2205 is facing up,revealing or producing physical or virtual trackpad 2206 on surface 2205(e.g., leaving a well or empty volume where layer 2207 used to be inconfiguration 2200A); and/or producing UI features 2201A and 2201B ondisplay 101.

In different embodiments, second display 102 may have an uneven surface,depending, in part, upon the thicknesses of layer 2004 (in FIGS. 20A-C)or layer 2207 (in FIGS. 27A-C). Moreover, the thicknesses of layers 2004and 2207 may be selected, at least, in part, based upon the type ofdisplay technology used (e.g., film thickness, etc.), the technologyused by physical keyboard 103 (e.g., height of key caps or switches,etc.), the secondary hinge's diameter (if present), etc.

In some implementations, any unevenness in thickness or height acrossthe surface of second display 102 may be selected to be very small ornegligible. In other implementations, IHS 100 may be configured tocompensate brightness, contrast, and/or color values for display pixelsacross two or more uneven portions of second display 102, in order toproduce an even visual impression across the different portions of thatdisplay. For example, brightness, contrast, and/or color compensationfor uneven display surfaces of second display 102 may be performed,based upon a factory calibration procedure using a selected (e.g.,average-sized or typical) user/environment dimensions. Additionally, oralternatively, brightness, contrast, and/or color compensation may beperformed dynamically using one or more display or hinge sensors 210 toproduce the even visual impression to the user as IHS 100 changespostures.

FIGS. 23A-C illustrate an example of IHS 100 with removable and/ordisplaceable keyboard 103. In these examples, second display 102 of IHS100 includes first screen surface 2302 and second screen surface ortrackpad portion 2303, respectively. In configuration 2300A of FIG. 23A,removable and/or displaceable keyboard 103 sits atop second screensurface or trackpad portion 2303; optionally held in place usingmagnetic devices, and optionally producing an even thickness or heightbetween keyboard 103 and first screen surface 2302.

In configuration 2300B of FIG. 23B, removable and/or displaceablekeyboard 103 is moved by a user, in the direction indicated by arrow2305, and rests over first screen surface 2302; still optionally held inplace using magnetic devices. In response, second screen surface ortrackpad portion 2303 may be revealed, with physical or virtual trackpad2304 presented to the user (e.g., in a well region where keyboard 103was in configuration 2300A). Moreover, first UI feature 2301A and secondUI feature 2301B may be produced via first display 101.

In configuration 2300C of FIG. 23C, however, removable and/ordisplaceable keyboard 103 is moved by the user to another position, asindicated by arrow 2306, and now rests off from the top surface ofsecond display 102, with its long side or edge in a direction parallelto hinge 104. In response, second screen surface 2303 of second display102 is presented to the user, with a selected UI feature or displaycontent shown thereon.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an example of IHS 100 with sliding keyboard103. In some embodiments, second display 102 may include a drawerportion 2403 with railing system 2405 embedded therein, such thatejection actuator 2404 enables keyboard 103 to slide in-and-out of,and/or eject from, second display 102, in the direction shown by arrow2406.

Particularly, in configuration 2400A of FIG. 24A with keyboard 103stowed within drawer portion 2403 of second display 102, first display101 produces first screen area 2401 and second display 102 producessecond screen area 2402. Upon actuation of button 2404, for example,keyboard 103 slides out of drawer portion 2403 along rails 2405 and, inresponse to detection of the keyboard's new position, IHS 100 mayproduce first UI feature 2402A and/or second UI feature 2402B on seconddisplay 102.

It should be understood that various operations described herein may beimplemented in software executed by logic or processing circuitry,hardware, or a combination thereof. The order in which each operation ofa given method is performed may be changed, and various operations maybe added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. It is intendedthat the invention(s) described herein embrace all such modificationsand changes and, accordingly, the above description should be regardedin an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference tospecific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as setforth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figuresare to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopeof the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions toproblems that are described herein with regard to specific embodimentsare not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used toarbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus,these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or otherprioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operablycoupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any formof comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any formof have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form ofinclude, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any formof contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linkingverbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those oneor more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or moreelements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,”“includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one ormore operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or moreoperations.

1. An Information Handling System (IHS), comprising: a first display;and a second display coupled to the first display, wherein the seconddisplay further comprises a screen surface and a keyboard surfacedisposed on a back side of the screen surface, and wherein at least oneof: (i) in a first configuration, the screen surface faces up and thekeyboard surface faces down, and, in a second configuration, a firstportion of the screen surface folds over a second portion of the screensurface, and the keyboard surface faces up; or (ii) in the firstconfiguration, the screen surface faces up, the keyboard surface facesup, and the keyboard surface sits behind a first portion of the screensurface, and, in the second configuration, the first portion of thescreen surface folds over a second portion of the screen surface toreveal the keyboard surface.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The IHS of claim 1,further comprising a first hinge coupling the first display to thesecond display.
 4. The IHS of claim 3, wherein the first portion of thescreen surface folds over the second portion of the screen surface via asecond hinge.
 5. The IHS of claim 1, wherein the first portion of thescreen surface folds over the second portion of the screen surface via adeformation action.
 6. The IHS of claim 1, further comprising: aprocessor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory havingprogram instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the IHSto: provide a User Interface (UI) feature in response to the IHS beingmoved from the first configuration to the second configuration.
 7. TheIHS of claim 6, wherein to provide the UI feature, the programinstructions, upon execution, further cause the IHS to render a ribbonarea on the first display alongside a long edge of the keyboard surface.8. The IHS of claim 7, wherein to provide the UI feature, the programinstructions, upon execution, further cause the IHS to reveal a touchinput area on another layer of the second display that sits under thebendable, foldable, or flippable layer when the IHS is in the firstconfiguration.
 9. The IHS of claim 8, wherein the other layer comprisesanother screen surface.
 10. The IHS of claim 6, wherein to provide theUI feature, the program instructions, upon execution, further cause theIHS to render an image on a selected portion of the second display. 11.(canceled)
 12. The IHS of claim 1, further comprising: a processor; anda memory coupled to the processor, the memory having programinstructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the IHS to:provide a User Interface (UI) feature on the first display in responseto the IHS being moved from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.
 13. The IHS of claim 12, wherein to provide the UIfeature, the program instructions, upon execution, further cause the IHSto reveal a touch input area opposing the first portion of the screensurface.
 14. A method, comprising: in an Information Handling System(IHS) having a first display and a second display coupled to the firstdisplay, detecting movement of a keyboard from a first portion of thesecond display to a second portion of the second display; and providinga first User Interface (UI) feature on the first display and a second UIfeature on the first portion of the second display.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein providing the first UI feature further comprisesrendering an image on a selected portion of the first display above along edge of the keyboard, and wherein the second UI feature furthercomprises a touch input area.
 16. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: in response to the user moving the keyboard off from thesecond display, providing a third UI feature on the second portion ofthe second display.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled) 20.(canceled)
 21. A hardware memory device having program instructionsstored thereon that, upon execution by a processor of an InformationHandling System (IHS) having a first display coupled to a seconddisplay, cause the IHS to: detect movement of a keyboard from a firstportion of the second display to a second portion of the second display;and provide a first User Interface (UI) feature on the first display anda second UI feature on the first portion of the second display.
 22. Thehardware memory device of claim 21, wherein to provide the first UIfeature, the program instructions, upon execution by the IHS, furthercause the IHS to render an image on a selected portion of the firstdisplay above a long edge of the keyboard, and wherein the second UIfeature further comprises a touch input area.
 23. The hardware memorydevice of claim 21, wherein the program instructions, upon execution bythe IHS, further cause the IHS to, in response to the user moving thekeyboard off from the second display, provide a third UI feature on thesecond portion of the second display.